Kia was supposed to give the world a better look at its all-new 2021 Sorento. Sadly, COVID-19 got in the way, and now we just have to settle at this deluge of photos and videos from the Korean carmaker.
Shot at what looks like their design studio in Korea, the Sorento rides on Kia’s new-generation midsized SUV platform. Details such as its powertrain were already released beforehand. This includes a new Smartstream Turbo Hybrid that pairs a 1.6-liter direct injected turbo engine with a 60-horsepower electric motor for a combined 230 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque and a brand-new 2.2-liter Smartstream diesel with 202 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque mated to a wet-type 8-speed dual clutch automatic.
Among new details emerging about the Sorento include its interior which is a step-change in both quality and design for Kia. The carmaker says it has “one of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia to-date.” Features include a 12.3-inch digital drive instrument cluster twinned with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, haptic buttons for the climate controls, available mood lighting, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Material quality is enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces. Applied throughout the interior and across the dashboard, the cabin boasts a more sophisticated appearance and ambience as a result. It’ll be offered with a choice of black cloth, leather (grey or black single-tone, or black-and-grey two-tone), or black quilted Nappa leather (at least in Europe).
The new platform compacts the engine bay and shortens the overhangs while boosting the wheelbase by 35 mm. As a result, it offers generous space for up to 7 adults with the largest cargo capacities in its class: 821 liters for 7-seat models and 910 liters for 5-seat models. In seven-seat models, with all seven seats in place, cargo space is up 32 percent compared to its predecessor, to 187 liters. Controls in the side wall of the boot also let users fold down the second-row seat backs remotely at the touch of a button.
For passengers, the new platform maximizes space in all three rows, offering more head-, leg- and shoulder-room than ever. In particular, the new platform has created a significant amount of extra legroom for first- and second-row occupants, as well as more headroom for third-row passengers.
Aided by the platform’s longer wheelbase, the second-row seats now slide up to 45 mm further, creating a wider point of entry to the third row with more space for feet and legs. There is also a new grab handle built into the interior trim inside the C-pillar, giving third-row passengers something to hold on to as they climb aboard. Once seated, the third-row armrest has also been extended by 100 mm for greater elbow support, while incorporating a cupholder and smartphone tray.
Like its predecessor, the Sorento will be built at Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea. The car will also be built for North America at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, USA production plant. Sales are due to commence in global markets during the third quarter of 2020.
2021 Kia Sorento Key Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,810 mm
- Overall Width: 1,900 mm
- Overall Height: 1,695 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,185 mm
- Ground Clearance: 176 mm (174 mm for Hybrid)
- Curb Weight: 1,757 kg (FWD, diesel), 1,819 kg (AWD, diesel)
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Independent, Multi-Link
- Standard Wheels & Tires: 235/65 R 17 (Option: 235/60 R 18, 235/55 R 19, 255/45 R 20)
- Engine: 2.2-liter SmartStream CRDi Diesel
- Maximum Output: 202 horsepower @ 3,800 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 440 Nm @ 1,750-2,750 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed DCT
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